Friday 31 August 2012

Today I Cried

  You know, if you have been following my recent post, that I am literally counting down the hours
until hubby and I leave our summer work place
here in the Yukon.
But this morning I had to say an early farewell to our employers and friends, Helen and Ollie. I really
can't begin to tell you how good this couple has been to us. But I will try.....
                                                                                                                        Aug 31st sunrise-6:30 AM
In April after driving all the way out here to the Yukon for a management job with a certain business, we both discovered it was definitely not the job for us! So what to do? Do we turn around and drive all the way back home? This was tempting I have to tell you, when I thought of all the projects we could get accomplished on our home
this summer. But on a whim I told my husband maybe we should give Ollie a call to see if he would need any help this summer. We had worked for Helen and Ollie another summer three years ago. When Tim called, Ollie being his typical self, said "Sure come on out, we'll find some work for you". And we have been here at the resort since.
Early in August Tim's sister and mother came to visit us at the lodge for four days. I'm sure some of you will remember the photos from that time. When they had gone and it was time to settle the account  for their food and lodgings, Helen and Ollie wouldn't except a penny. No, not a red cent! They said it was a reward for all the extras stuff Tim and
 I did for them here at the lodge.

This last Wednesday we had forty Airstream campers here for an overnight stay and a private dinner. As you can well imagine we all knocked ourselves with all the preparation this entailed.
Tim and I had both worked the day shift and then came back in that evening to assist with the dinner.
If you've ever been involved in serving 76 people,
you know just how much work this is! When it was all said and done, and we were given praise and thanks from all the campers, Ollie discovered that the group leader had not left a tip for any of us. He
and Helen were so upset. Tim and I assured them not to worry on our account, it was OK.
We went to our room, where I promptly got into the bath tub. When I came out my husband informed me that Helen had come over nearly in tears with sixty dollars each for both Tim and I from her and
 Ollie. But that's not all. Later that night the camp
leader came back into the lodge and Helen said, "I
don't usually say anything, but I was so surprised after all the applause and praise that you had given my staff for the meal that they had prepared and served you that you didn't leave them a tip". He, of
course was mortified! He apologized and said he hadn't realized that it wasn't included in the price quoted him for the meal. He grabbed money out of
his pocket and gave it to her and then ran out to get
more. So at seven AM when I arrived on the job, there was Helen shoving another sixty dollars at me. She wouldn't hear of taking it back either when I reminded her that we had already received enough.


                                                                                                                 Wall mural at Burwash Resort
Three years ago when we were here working at the resort there was an Indian statue dressed in an American flag that I just loved. Well, this year since the resort is for sale I thought Ollie might consider selling it to me. He said he would for the price that
he paid for it-$150.00 I was thrilled! Last night I came over to spend just a few minutes visiting with
Helen, knowing we wouldn't have time this morning once I started working. When I got ready to leave she ask me to wait a minute. She went into their office and came out with a black trash bag. I knew what was inside it-my Indian. Are you crying yet? I can't tell you how overwhelmed I was at this point with such generosity. But, hold on, I'm not
done yet......
                                                                                       sign where hubby was almost eaten by grizzly
This morning when it was time for our goodbyes,
Ollie came into the kitchen and slipped a bill into
my apron. It was $100. I told him, "no"-they had already given us too much. He said he wanted us to use it for gas money to get back home. I showed it to my husband after we were done with our work day and he said that Ollie had stopped up to the gas station to say goodbye to him too and pulled out a twin to my $100. bill.
Now I want you to know that Tim and I have been praying for favor with our employers. We also work our tootsies off. We treat them with respect and have tried to be a sounding board for them when they have had so many frustrations that come with running this type of business. We earned plenty of money this summer and didn't need any of  the extra gifts that were given to us. But  I not only looked at it as a gift from Ollie and Helen, I believe it was a gift from God. So I am not only  thankful to our friends, but I'm tankful to our God.
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If you've stuck with me through this whole story I believe you deserve an award! I know it could have been written better, but it's late and I still have one more early morning before we're off. So it is what it is. And I just had to tell it.
Thanks to all who are praying for a safe trip
home for us. I appreciate it.
Have a nice weekend and I'll be in touch as we travel,
Kimberly
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


28 comments:

  1. Hi Kimberly, I've been with you--but didn't know the entire story... Didn't realize (maybe I missed it) that you all left the original job and took the summer one... Glad you had that 'summer' experience again ---and I'm even more glad that you are now going HOME....

    We all make good and bad choices ---but I think you two will look back on this one as a GOOD one for you...

    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  2. Everything happens for a reason. It sounds like despite all of the hard work it was a beautiful summer. I would love to spend a summer doing what you did. Maybe when I retire. I hope you keep in touch with your friends. THey sound like really good people. Have a safe trip home.

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  3. I guess I missed it too, that you didn't stay with the original place that you came to work for..sorry. But it all ended so well. What a truly happy story, it is no wonder that you cried..there are good people left for sure.

    I will be praying for safe travel for you and looking forward to your reports as you go along..God is so good! xo

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  4. What a touching story of generous people and God's good gifts! Thanks for sharing it!

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  5. Pleased it all worked out for you both in the end, with extra blessings as well!

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  6. I've been along with the journey with you, reading with fascination about all the gorgeous places you have visited. I guess I missed the part about the original job also and thought you had gone to work at the resort. The tears were coming as I was reading this post. Such wonderful people to know.
    A few weeks ago we saw the Google vehicle going through a part of our local town and I thought of one of your blog posts immediately.
    Have a safe journey home.

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  7. Lovely post, you are both very blessed. Safe trip home. God is good!!

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  8. I too missed that things did not end up the way you had originally thought they would, but they sure ended up for the best huh? What wonderful people you have described here. Soo glad it all worked out for you, and God soo blessed you as He did. Praying for a safe journey home. What an adventure! Hugs to you!

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  9. Wow, Kimberly that sunrise shot is amazing! So beautiful!

    Your friends/employers are very kind and generous indeed, and you are very blessed.

    Wishing you safe travels on your trip back home.

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  10. As a matter of fact, I have a tear rolling right down my cheek as I type. What salt of the earth folks and you and your husband are in that club, too. Yes, and I am praying for traveling mercies for you and looking forward with you to your safe arrival home. And I am also praying that, since the resort is for sale, that you may run into these friends again in this lifetime. Many more blessings to you...what the devil meant for evil, God has turned to good.

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  11. Please be very careful driving home.
    It sounds like you have wonderful friends with Helen and Ollie. Talk about a surprise when that large camping group failed to tip, and then Ollie having some words with them. Thank God, he went and chatted with the Mgr of the group.
    Yes, it was embarrassing to them but they needed to know it's hard work to served 76 people great service and wonderful food. I'm happy to hear they tipped well!!!

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  12. Okay, now you have me in tears over my morning coffee. In our journey of life we do meet some amazing people. Ollie and Helen sound like two very special friends. You continue to bless others and the blessings return. Safe journeys my friend!

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  13. what wonderful people. Safe trip home.
    Cathy

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  14. What a lovely, generous and grateful post! Good friends are priceless!

    Have a safe journey home.

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  15. Just reminds us that there ARE some good people on this earth. And you and Tim are part of that group, too. Have a safe trip home and I'll look forward to more of your stories. Hugs.

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  16. Hello Kimberly, oh really enjoyed the story and pictures, wow, so inspiring. Godspeed, Francine.

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  17. Oh what a wonderful story. What nice people and I just love it all. I am so glad you will be back home soon and I am so glad that it turned out to be such a blessing. I have sure enjoyed reading about your stay and if I ever get up to the Yukon I will stay there just because of those really sweet and kind people.
    Thanks so much for sharing.

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  18. I don't know who was more blessed...you & your hubby or them for knowing you two!...:)JP

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  19. Kimberly, I read every word. I'd say that your summer work was a blessing all the way around. Not only were YOU blessed but YOU were a blessing to those you served. I am so glad you got your Indian and that there was so much generosity shown to you. Have a safe trip home, my friend. I know you will be happy to pull into your own drive- xo Diana

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  20. That was a beautiful story about some Very Beautiful people. Sounds like their hearts are full of goodness!!!
    What beautiful country. That sunrise ....WOW !!!!!

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  21. Thank you for explaining your summer work adventure.
    You are truely blessed. Friends, adventure, honest work,sights that were unbelievable and now heading home. Safe travels my friend.
    Prayers are going with you and Tim.

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  22. What a blessing you must have been to that sweet couple. I will be praying for your safe trip home. What a fun and exciting summer job but I am sure it will be good to get home.

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  23. Hi Kimberly, you are probably in a motel enroute to home tonight. I am behind in reading blogs and maybe you are even home! What a touching story. I'm sure God had all this planned out for you from the moment you said "yes" to going to work up there. You were a blessing to this couple in their business and God has blessed you for it. Wonderful story. God is so good! If you're not home yet I am praying for safe travels. Blessings, Pam

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  24. What a great experience and story you shared with us! Loved it.
    How awesome they blessed you both with that special gift.
    I'm sure they were very thankful for all you both did as employees.

    Hugs!

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  25. What a beautiful story of big hearted employers and God's faithfulness.
    I hope your travels are going well.
    Love and hugs, Cindy

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  26. Helen and Ollie sound like wonderful employers and genuinely nice people! I'm glad you had a good experience with them this summer. Safe travels back home!

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  27. This is a wonderful story of the goodness in people. It did warm my heart. I so enjoyed your summer posts and the beauty you shared with us. So glad you are home safe and sound and resting I hope.

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  28. What wonderful people....all 4 of you! It warms my heart and gives hope that goodness still lives in the hearts of most. You 4 are an exceptional example of that. I wish you all the best life has to offer as that is what you give to others.

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All of your comments are read and much appreciated.
You are dear and lovely friends!